Photographs

Photos that Show You
the Greatness of Africa

Mamady Keita
Djembefola

The photographs of Kou Chifusa are impressive in the sense
that you can see the real Africa in them.
Modern city life does not give you
the picture of African life - villages can,
and you will find the real African life in this collection.
You can see the beauty of the traditional dance and music,
the sunny faces of children
who may wear only simple clothes
and the village people working in the farms, field
or batik factories.
You can also see the beauty
of women fishing or washing clothes,
of their clothes and facial expressions,
of their body lines and movements which are
special for the Africans.
We hear a lot of news on Africa,
and Africa often reminds people of diseases,
starvation and wars.
However, with a close look at Chifusa's work,
you will see the warm hearts of African people
and the greatness of African land.
People there show us their shining smiles of joy.
Africa is a continent filled with energy
of a lot of hard-working people.
We musicians sing, play and dance
to communicate with people
who come to our concerts.
That is the way we transmit our culture to them.
Chifusa seems to be doing the same job -
he seems to try to show people what we want to show them -
through his photographs.
1

Mamady Keita

Sharing the Joy of Rhythms in
an Unique C1earnessc

Yosuke Yamashita
Jazz Pianist

I was once touring in Africa, and felt overwhelmed
by the countless historical pieces of art there.
They were convincing enough to make me believe
that every culture in the world had begun there.
At the same time,
I encountered with a lot of unhealthy circumstances
in present Africa.
The importance in showing Africa
lies in what phase of the huge coutinent one should choose
and how to show it.
This collection carries an unique clearness
that has not been found in other photographs on Africa.
Some shots are colourfully artistic as if people there
had even been told where to stand.
In fact, they were all taken in natural scenes.
They, as musicians,
must have tried to express themselves fully.
You can feel their trust in the photographer.
Chifusa has been pursuing his career in African music
since he heard 'Sobaya Sobaya' by Tamori.
His cheerful musicianship gives us joy to share
the valuable rhythms through his photographs.

Mandinka
First Edition : July 20, 2000
\3,500.- YEN

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